One definition I have heard for "Fine Art," is that it serves no purpose other than to arouse our aesthetic appreciation. By that standard, the caterer was both right and wrong - his stuff looked good (I hope) but its primary purpose was to serve as metabolic fuel. (And don't forget to flush the ash pit after emptying the under-firebox hopper...)
Some model railroad items are fine art to the beholder (a scratch-built N scale Shay comes to mind) but not to the user (who wants those three disconnect loads out of the woods and into the pond.) This can apply to anything from a Z-scale bobber caboose to an empire the size of a 747 hangar.
On the other hand, some people, for valid reasons of their own, practice the, "Art," of model railroading at the, "Kid's crayon drawing on the fridge," level. This ranges from the train set on the 36 x 45 loop on rolled out grass mat to the innumerable iterations of the Foam Flats and Plywood Pacific. I will readily admit that I am at (or possibly below) that level - but the Empire is a work in (very slow) progress and I am not satisfied with the status quo. I am, however, happy with what I've done so far, and look forward to more and better in the future.
Chuck (Not very artistic tin and wrench bender modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
When did "Pike" turn into "Layout"? jerry
it's an art, a miniature nitty, gritty, friendly world. nothing beats looking at an SD40 F7 duo battiling a long train while a pair of gracefully curved E9A's pass on the other track leading a sleek consist of passenger cars.
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
I do not agree with "model railroading is fine art", I will agree with "model railroading can be fine art".
Similarly I don't agree with all painting being fine art, but agree than some painting is fine art.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
I view it as a series of acquired skills and honed talents rather than an art. While I think you can be artistic in your modeling endeavors, I wouldn't call it art.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I agree Howard
I think seeing well built scenes is probably what draws most into the hobby, but as you mentioned there are other things too.
I have not done a lot of scenery on my layouts, including the current one.
Structures and rolling stock can be works of art too.
- Douglas
Indeed, it is a fine art and a whole lot more. Carpentry, construction, electrical, design & planning, painting, photography, history, etc. What other hobby combines as many skills and talents as model railroading?
HZ,
I agree with you. There is a "lost art" aspect to model railroading that needs to be recaptured. Frank Ellison coined the "art of model railroading" he was an artist not only with model trains but worked in theatre as well.He really understood illusion and proportion. These aspects, when used properly, can do more for layout then worrying over every dimensional precision.
The "lost art" of today is everyone is so caught up with being absolutely precise on their dimensions, that they forgot about illusion, proportion, and forced light and shadow. All art principles. These will do SO much more for achieving a sense of realism then mulling over every rivet.
Chris Palomarez
I agree that model railroading is fine art. I won't say I execute it to museum quality, but I enjoy it. What hooked me was a trackplan for the East Broad Top RR in the December 1971 Model Railroader. The artistic painting of the trackplan really captivated me.
What makes this a great hobby is all the different types of parts - artistic, mechanical, electronic, etc.
Enjoy
Paul
Another point of view..
Being a exbrakeman and seeing I'm trying to emulate railroad operation I can hardly call railroading a fine art..
Now looking at today's scenery I think the term would be "museum quailty".
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Fine art??? At one of my early train shows, we had a French caterer, besides being arrogant, claimed his culinary creations were fine art, and that my dioramas and custom built rolling stock being offered for sale were toys, and "certainly not fine art ". Not only did I not renew his contract, but I had great pleasure in informing him that my structures at least did not turn into waste in 24 hours ( I'm normally more graphic over these issues....)
After participating for over 50 years in this hobby and seeing many wonderful pikes, I can most assuredly say that model railroading is a fine art.....especially since I recently discovered the thread on Nick Muff's pike. I did more research on Muff and his KCS layout, and discovered and fully believe that had Nick been a painter or sculptor, his work would have been displayed in museums and galleries world-wide. I have seen other great examples in our hobby such as Bob Lawson, George Sellios, John Allen, and more.
The hobby has changed...not for the worse, just a different emphasis leaning greatly towards high tech electronics. In 1962, Had the Railroad Model Craftsman magazine I purchased from the rack in the 7-11 had a cover story about electronics and under the bench activities, I doubt if I ever would have entered the hobby. This issue was about John Allen and his incredible creation...and overnight I was a model railroad wannabe.
Granted...., electronics, computers, and high tech are attracting many younger folks and that is good as whatever it takes to keep our hobby alive is a major plus. But with this new phase...is it steering model railroading away from art? I don't know as there are several MR's who besides being excellent modelers are also experts in electronics. For me this is an interesting question as it is the art that is my driving force.
Most if not all of my electronics on my pike are done by friends who possess these skills. Actually I'm not allowed under the bench except to re stock the ice box with drinks and corral one of my cats that finds her way into the basement.
Point of all of this???? I don't have a clue, just some thoughts and sharing them.
HZ